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Ask Dr. Park: Minimally Invasive Options for Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Are you confused about all the different minimally invasive treatment options for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea? Do you know what the difference is between LAUP, SMILE, and Somnoplasty? Find out:

Which treatments work, and which are hype

Snoring options vs. obstructive sleep apnea options

Why the laser procedures are old technology

And much, much more….

Please join me for my next Ask Dr. Park Teleseminar when I’ll answer all your questions on Tuesday, September 14th, at 8PM Eastern.

I read that if sombody has obstructive apnea and some percentage of central apnea then, c-pap machine will not be as effective and could worsen your apnea problem. Also surgery does not help with central or complex apnea. Please comment.

Shouldn’t the word “success” be eliminated when describing the results of UPPP?
Wouldn’t “40’% have a “slight improvement” in their AHIs, but not an elimination of all apneas or hypopneas” and also mention that they will still have to use their CPAP machines regardless of the result?
Shouldn’t the patient be told the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

Patients deserve complete, full disclosure PRIOR to decision-making, about ANY kind of surgery. They should also be encouraged by their MDs/surgeons to seek other opinions and gain as much information as possible before they sign consent.

Only my opinion, but personally I strongly believe in educating and empowering patients…….

I’ve been diagnosed with “mild” sleep apnea, primarily central sleep apnea that was caused, I believe, by a minor stroke back in 2007. I’ve been unsuccessful with adapting to use of CPAP machine to treat it. I suspect that any type of surgery, minimally invasive or otherwise, can only address obstructive sleep apnea brought on by anatomical anomalies and would be useless for central sleep apnea. (BTW, I have occasionally used a low .25 mg dose of Klonopin to counteract this terrible condition with some improvement in how I feel in the morning). Nevertheless, I would be curious about the surgical approach and may call in if I’m available.

Sorry to hear about your stroke. A stroke can definitely cause damage to the breathing control centers of your brain. We also know that obstructive sleep apnea can cause multiple small to large strokes in the brain. You may want to ask your sleep doctor about servo-ventillator PAP machines, which are helpful for central apneas. You’re right in that surgical procedures won’t work with central events.

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About Dr. Park

Dr. Steven Y. Park is an author and surgeon who helps people who are always sick or tired to once again reclaim their health and energy. For the past 13 years in private practice and 4 years in academia, he has helped thousands of men and women breathe better, sleep better, and live more fulfilling lives.

The material on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not and should not be relied upon or construed as medical, surgical, psychological, or nutritional advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your medical regimen, exercise or diet program. Some links may go to products on Amazon.com, for which Jodev Press is an associate member.